Chile’s Women’s Rights Under Threat

Chile is bracing for a potential shift in women's rights as the country's most conservative president since the Pinochet era, José Antonio Kast, assumes office. Kast, a staunch opponent of progressive policies, has consistently blocked efforts to advance women's rights and equality throughout his political career.

As a congressman, Kast voted against the legalization of divorce in 2004 and vehemently opposed the limited legalization of abortion in 2017. He has since advocated for a return to a total abortion ban and stricter regulations on reproductive rights.

Kast's appointment of Judith Marín, an anti-abortion activist, as the women and gender equality minister, has raised concerns among activists. Marín's disruptive behavior during a senate session on abortion decriminalization in 2017, where she shouted religious slogans, highlights her hardline stance.

The appointment of Marín, whose views were once considered marginal, is seen as a provocative move by the incoming administration. Andrea Álvarez Carimoney, an assistant professor at the University of Chile, expressed concern about the potential impact on women's rights.

Kast's Republican party has previously announced plans to repeal the current abortion law, which allows access in cases of rape, maternal life risk, or fetal unviability. Despite focusing his presidential campaign on other issues, Kast has maintained his stance on abortion.

Activists worry that even without repealing the law, the government could make access to abortion more difficult by modifying the legal exceptions. Government statistics show a significant gap between the number of legal abortions and the estimated number of induced abortions in Chile.

The feminist movement in Chile has faced internal divisions, with debates over the best strategies to protect women's rights. The recent International Women's Day march, however, demonstrated the resilience and strength of the movement, with an estimated 500,000 women taking to the streets.

Grassroots organizations like Con las Amigas y En La Casa, which provides information on safe abortion practices, have played a crucial role in empowering women. Despite facing censorship and opposition, these groups remain determined to support women's reproductive rights.